Tooth formation - delayed or absent: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
These concerns usually need assessment rather than emergency treatment.
A dentist can decide whether an X-ray or referral is appropriate.
Seek emergency medical care for rapidly increasing facial or neck swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious injury to the mouth or jaw.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt dental care for tooth pain, gum swelling, pus, fever, or a broken retained baby tooth.
These signs are more likely to reflect infection or injury than absent tooth formation.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine dental appointment if:
A permanent tooth seems much later than the matching tooth
A baby tooth remains while nearby permanent teeth have appeared
There is an unexplained gap or an unusually shaped tooth
Several family members have missing permanent teeth
A child with missing teeth also has unusual hair, nails, skin, or sweating
A retained baby tooth becomes loose, worn, painful, or changes colour
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tooth formation - delayed or absent. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.